Adjusting to Chronic Conditions Using Education, Support, and Skills (ACCESS)

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The current study seeks to test the effectiveness of a talk-therapy intervention designed to better meet the needs of chronically ill Veterans. This project looks to recruit 450 Veterans with either chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart failure (HF) who also have symptoms of worry, stress, anxiety, or sadness. Participants will be randomly put into either the talk-therapy intervention or enhanced usual care.

The talk therapy intervention will be provided by VA clinicians in the primary care setting and will consist of 6 core meetings (30-45 minutes in duration) and 2 follow-up telephone meetings. Enhanced usual care participants will receive feedback regarding the assessment findings and educational materials on COPD and/or HF, depression and anxiety.

Condition or disease

Intervention/treatment

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseHeart FailureAnxietyDepression

Behavioral: ACCESS

Detailed Description:

Diseases of the heart and circulatory system, namely, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Heart Failure (HF), are two of the most common and disabling chronic diseases. Both COPD and HF account for significant disability, mortality, and healthcare costs and are associated with lower health status and more functional and social limitations than other chronic illnesses, such as hypertension and diabetes. As our population ages and life span increases, the numbers of patients with these conditions and the subsequent healthcare costs will increase dramatically.

The symptoms associated with COPD and HF can significantly affect daily functioning. Physical symptoms are often linked to increased levels of psychological distress, namely, anxiety and depression, which significantly affect quality of life and functioning above and beyond the impact of the medical disease. As depression and anxiety are modifiable clinical factors, there is a potential to significantly alter patient outcomes, as well as use of healthcare services. However, focused interventions are needed, given the high risk for poor mental health treatment and underuse of mental health services in persons with COPD and HF. Unfortunately, few intervention studies have been conducted in medically ill patients with these conditions. The current project will examine whether existing VA clinicians in the primary care setting, with training and support, can effectively administer a structured Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) intervention for depressed and anxious Veterans with COPD and HF.

Medically ill patients received six-sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy tailored to their unique needs. Patients received 2 core modules and 3 elective modules. Elective modules focused on physical health, cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and relaxation. The six session was a wrap up that everyone received. Patients also had the option to receive 2 follow-up booster sessions to aid in maintenance of skills learned.

Behavioral: ACCESS

Participants received 6 treatment sessions (2 core and 4 electives). The two core modules are increasing awareness and controlling physical and emotional symptoms. After completion of the core modules the participant was able to choose elective modules from Managing Physical Health, The Power of Thoughts, Increasing Pleasant Activities, and Relaxation. Participants were required to complete the first session in person and subsequent sessions participants had the option to complete in-person or over the phone. Participants also had the option to receive 2 brief follow-up booster calls to aid in reinforcing the changes made.

No Intervention: Enhanced Usual Care

Patients in this arm received feedback about their physical and emotional health functioning and were still able to receive usual primary care services.

The Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) measures the quality of life of patients with a chronic respiratory disease. This subscale measures the amount of fatigue patients experience with the condition. The CRQ is a mean score and ranges from 1 - 7, where a higher score = better health.

The Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) measures the quality of life of patients with a chronic respiratory disease. The subscale Mastery looks at the patient's perceived control over the condition. The CRQ is a mean score and ranges from 1 - 7, where a higher score = better health

The Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) measures the quality of life of patients with a chronic respiratory disease. The subscale Dyspnea looks at how much shortness of breath a patient experiences. The CRQ is a mean score and ranges from 1 - 7, where a higher score = better health.

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